Resolution on Collection Development and Library
Programming
in Times of Conflict

The following resolution was endorsed by the elected
representatives of the Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) on
January 19, 2002. SRRT is a body within the American Library
Association but does not and should not be taken to speak for the
Association as a whole. In this resolution SRRT speaks only on its own
behalf.

Submitted by Mark Rosenzweig, Councilor at Large
Seconded by Al Kagan, SRRT Councilor

Endorsed by SRRT Action Council, January 19, 2002

[Also endorsed by Intellectual Freedom Committee]

Defeated in ALA Council, January 2002

Whereas the policies and implications of the "War on Terrorism"
require the broadest range of analysis and debate,

Therefore be it resolved that ALA encourages libraries to engage in
expanded
collection activity representing the full range of views on the roots
of
the 9/11/01 terrorist actions, the parties involved, the responses by
the
US and other governments, and the "War on Terrorism" and its domestic
and global
implications,

And be it further resolved that "alternative" information resources
be collected and actively promoted, with due diligence in assessment of
sources but without regard to support or opposition to US Government
policy,

And be it resolved that libraries are encouraged to provide expanded
programming to foster understanding between all ethnic and religious
groups,
and to counter current practices of ethnic profiling.